How do we finish strong?

How do we finish strong when we are exhausted and overwhelmed?

I took a break from blog writing right after our Final Concert for a couple of reasons.

One, I was simply exhausted after writing every day while keeping up with my students and preparing for our end of year concert. I give so much to the experience that I always feel the thrill of the ride but also the let down after it’s all over. The added stress of deciding to write every day just added to that feeling.

Two, the HUGE decision I had made previously, mentioned in another blog post, had to be reevaluated and eventually changed because of circumstances that were out of my control. This left me feeling completely and totally overwhelmed.

So…I took a break.

I knew this could be a problem, but I needed it. I thought it would only be a day or two. It clearly turned into this lengthy period of time… 1 1/2 weeks! YIKES!

At first, the break was welcomed and almost a relief. Then, it seemed to become almost a demand that I not write. But that also led to me not wanting to prepare lessons for my students. I still had two weeks left of school! I couldn’t afford to let that happen.

So…how to do you finish strong when you don’t want to do anything? When you just need to relax and forget everything so you can regenerate?

Well, I don’t know about you, but for me it’s comes back to my upbringing. It means “pulling up your bootstraps” and persevering . It means taking each day as it comes and just focusing on doing your best. Your best for yourself, for your family and if you are a teacher like me, for your students.

I made it through the last 1-1/2 weeks by putting my focus on what I could do rather than what I had no control over. I focused on having fun with my students, preparing them for the “final” that takes place tomorrow, and just enjoying my time with my own children.

One of “having fun” moments with my students was playing a musical game based on “telephone” using rhythms. It is both frustrating and hilarious for all participants.

One of the “having fun” moments with my own children was going on a hike today. We enjoyed the short but steep hike, the view at the top, and the quick descent followed by some good food. It was very restful and rejuvenating in a kind of strange way.

The preparation for the final was enjoyable for me albeit not so much for my students. However, they will see the benefits tomorrow. So will you if you read tomorrow’s post:)